Registered Nurse (RN) - WOC Augusta

Wellstar Health System

About The Position

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Clinical Nurse (WOCN) provides acute and rehabilitative care for patients with selected gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary disorders. Working under the direction of the Nurse Manager, the WOCN is a clinical resource to nursing and medical staff and independently provides comprehensive care in complex patient situations. The nurse practices in accordance with the Georgia Professional Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association standards, Wellstar policies, and the Wellstar Professional Practice Model, using evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach. The WOCN consults with physicians, evaluates patients, and develops individualized plans of care for wounds, fistulas, ostomies, and continence issues. The role includes responding to consults, writing orders within the WOCN scope and standing orders, determining care approaches and frequency, marking ostomy sites before surgery, and educating patients and families. In outpatient Wound Care and Hyperbaric units, the nurse provides and documents care related to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatments, monitors patients and treatment delivery, responds to adverse reactions, and operates and maintains the hyperbaric chamber and related equipment according to established protocols. The WOCN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, participates in committees and improvement initiatives, supports evidence-based practice and research, contributes to product and protocol development, and helps coordinate safe, high-quality care. The role also provides education and orientation to staff and students, serves as a preceptor or mentor, and supports professional development and a respectful, inclusive clinical environment.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience as a staff nurse in an acute care setting.
Associate degree in Nursing or nursing diploma; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred.
Current registered nurse license: single-state or multistate compact RN.
BLS certification, or an accepted American Red Cross BLS or BLS instructor credential, required upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care for wounds, fistulas, ostomies, and continence issues in consultation with physicians.
Respond to physician consults by writing orders within the WOCN scope of practice and standing orders, and determine the type and frequency of wound and ostomy care.
Mark ostomy sites before surgery, identifying preferred and alternative sites for the surgeon’s consideration; educate patients and families before and after surgery, including psychosocial, sexual, and body-image adaptation.
Perform the nursing process and deliver individualized, patient-centered care using evidence-based practice, critical thinking, effective partnerships, interdisciplinary communication, patient education, and comprehensive handoffs.
Follow current clinical practice standards with a focus on patient safety and quality.
In outpatient Wound Care and Hyperbaric units, provide and document care immediately before, during, and after hyperbaric oxygen treatments; monitor treatment gas delivery and patients for adverse reactions; intervene according to established protocols.
Reinforce age-specific patient and family education about HBO therapy and related conditions, perform ordered treatments such as vital signs and blood glucose checks, and carry out emergency procedures within scope of practice.
Document HBO treatment details, including chamber settings, duration, patient response, and relevant observations.
Operate hyperbaric chamber controls to pressurize and depressurize according to policies and physician orders; maintain accurate operational logs and records.
Maintain and clean hyperbaric chambers and support systems, maintain emergency equipment and supplies, and document equipment checks.
Serve as a clinical expert in committees, community groups, and organizations; lead outcome evaluations, including quarterly NDNQI pressure ulcer prevalence, and participate in WOC nursing practice improvement initiatives.
Evaluate and develop product formularies and algorithms supporting best practices for wound, ostomy, and continence care, and facilitate specialty bed management for bariatric patients.
Coordinate safe, quality patient care through interdisciplinary communication and planning, timely documentation, and promotion of a respectful, inclusive clinical environment.
Participate in performance improvement, research and research utilization, shared governance, and value analysis of patient-care products; initiate or lead improvement activities as appropriate.
Collect data, pose clinical questions, consult experts, and use resources and evidence to address practice questions and advance evidence-based practice.
Plan for patient care across the care continuum and collaborate on protocols and procedures to support best-practice outcomes and efficient use of resources.
Precept WOCN and nurse practitioner students and provide education and orientation to new hires and continuing education for nurses and NCAs.
Maintain patient, family, and staff confidentiality; complete required education and proficiencies; serve as a preceptor or mentor for professional nurses, staff, and students.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.